The SEMA Exhibitor List Is Massive: Here’s How to Stand Out

Every fall, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show transforms Las Vegas into the beating heart of the global automotive industry. For attendees, flipping through the SEMA exhibitor list is like scanning a who’s who of automotive innovation—thousands of companies, from household names to bold new startups, all under one roof at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For exhibitors, that reality presents both opportunity and challenge. Being listed is valuable, but simply appearing on the SEMA exhibitor list doesn’t guarantee foot traffic, media coverage, or meaningful connections. With over 2,000 exhibitors, the event is a sensory overload of roaring engines, dazzling cars, and interactive displays.

To truly stand out, exhibitors must transform their booths into destinations that grab attention and keep attendees engaged.

The SEMA Exhibitor List Is Massive — Blending In Isn’t an Option

The scale of SEMA means even impressive products can get lost in the shuffle. Rows of high-energy booths compete for the same eyeballs, and every aisle has another stunning car or cutting-edge demo. Without a clear engagement strategy, it’s easy to disappear into the background noise.

Smart exhibitors know that the real goal isn’t just being included on the SEMA exhibitor list—it’s making sure their booth becomes one of the most talked-about stops on the show floor.

Proven Strategies Exhibitors Are Using to Get Noticed

Bold, Immersive Activations
Some brands design booths that feel like experiences rather than displays—using unique environments that showcase multiple sub-brands or target audiences.

Multi-Sensory Experiences
From revving engines and smoke effects to futuristic concept reveals, exhibitors are engaging multiple senses to create memorable, high-energy moments.

Hands-On Demos and Storytelling
Live product demonstrations and interactive storytelling give attendees reasons to stop, interact, and stay longer—boosting both recall and relationships.

Strategic Sponsorships
Beyond the booth, smart brands extend their visibility through sponsorships, branded signage, and hosted events that put them in front of decision-makers.

Technology That Transforms Booths Into Destinations

High-impact visuals are among the most powerful ways to rise above the crowd at SEMA. With thousands of booths competing for attention, technology can make the difference between blending in and becoming the talk of the show. Exhibitors are turning their spaces into dynamic destinations by using tools that combine creativity with cutting-edge AV.

LED walls are a favorite for good reason. Towering digital displays create cinematic backdrops for vehicle launches, looping footage of cars in action, or even bold branding statements visible from across the hall. They instantly anchor a booth and set the stage for everything else happening within it.

Immersive lighting adds another layer of drama. Rather than simply illuminating a product, carefully designed lighting schemes can highlight design details, shift colors to build anticipation, or sync with sound to create a theatrical reveal. Lighting done well sets the mood and keeps people intrigued.

For instance, at one SEMA booth, a custom builder timed strobe and color changes to coincide with the unveiling of a show car, drawing a crowd that spilled into the aisles.

Touchscreen kiosks provide the interactivity today’s attendees expect. Instead of passively viewing a display, visitors can explore specs, configure custom builds, or dive into product comparisons. This hands-on experience not only draws people in but also keeps them engaged longer—critical when competing for buyer attention.

One OEM used interactive stations that let attendees “build” their dream vehicle on-screen and then share the design instantly on social media—a feature that generated long lines and viral buzz.

Live streaming brings the energy of SEMA beyond the convention center. Exhibitors use video displays to broadcast product launches, demonstrations, or influencer appearances in real time. This not only draws crowds on-site but also extends visibility to audiences watching online, multiplying the booth’s impact.

For example, a tire brand hosted daily live-streamed Q&A sessions with pro drivers, attracting fans to the booth and simultaneously growing their digital reach.

Customer testimonial videos and behind-the-scenes footage add authenticity and credibility. In a market crowded with options, hearing real-world success stories or seeing products in action can tip the balance in favor of one brand over another.

As just one example, a detailing products company leveraged this by showing before-and-after videos from real customers, reinforcing trust and sparking purchase conversations right on the show floor.

When these technologies are strategically designed and seamlessly integrated, they do far more than decorate a booth. They create an environment that tells a story, elevates brand identity, and turns a booth into a destination that attendees remember—and talk about—long after the show ends.

Why Partner with Total Show Technology

This is where Total Show Technology (TST) makes the difference. As Las Vegas’ leading AV production partner, TST helps exhibitors move beyond the SEMA exhibitor list and into the spotlight.

We collaborate with exhibit builders and brands from the earliest planning stages through final rehearsal, ensuring that AV strategies align seamlessly with booth design, traffic flow, and brand goals. That collaboration starts with asking the right questions: What impression do you want attendees to walk away with? How should people move through your space? Which technologies will amplify—not distract from—your story? By weaving technology into the design process early, we make sure every element feels intentional and supports your overall objectives.

Our services cover every angle of event technology:

• beMatrix LED walls and video displays for high-impact visuals – From cinematic product reveals to looping footage of vehicles in action, LED walls create the kind of booth presence that draws eyes from across the hall.

• Lighting design that makes your booth shine—literally – Lighting is more than illumination. It’s atmosphere, drama, and energy. We design custom lighting schemes that showcase products, guide attendee attention, and create a mood that elevates your brand.

• Audio systems that ensure your message is heard – In a noisy show environment, clarity is everything. We design sound solutions that cut through the noise, whether it’s crisp narration during demos or ambient music that enhances your brand identity.

• Interactive technology that draws attendees in – Touchscreens, kiosks, and digital experiences invite visitors to actively engage with your products, deepening their connection and keeping them in your booth longer.

• Pre-show testing and rehearsals for flawless execution – Nothing is left to chance. We run thorough checks and rehearsals to ensure every cue, every video, every lighting change, and every mic works exactly as planned before the doors open.

And while we know Las Vegas inside and out—its venues, logistics, and unique challenges—we don’t stop there. We travel with our clients wherever their shows take them, delivering the same trusted support in convention centers and event spaces across the country.

That consistency is a game-changer. Instead of juggling multiple AV vendors in different cities, exhibitors get one experienced partner who already knows their booth design, understands their goals, and has proven systems in place.

The result? Smoother setups, fewer surprises, and stronger results on show day. With TST by their side, clients gain peace of mind knowing they have a partner fully invested in their success—no matter where the road takes them.

Make the Most of the SEMA Exhibitor List

Being on the SEMA exhibitor list is a powerful opportunity, but it’s just the first step. To maximize your investment, your booth needs to cut through the clutter and create a memorable brand experience.

With Total Show Technology by your side, you’ll have more than an AV provider—you’ll have a strategic partner who ensures your presence at SEMA is impactful, immersive, and unforgettable.

Ready to rise above the exhibitor list and make your mark at SEMA? Let’s talk.